I think giving players hands on control of battles would completely disrupt the difficulty/balance of their games. It would require a massive overhaul that I don't think is needed. After all, if they weren't profitable, they wouldn't be in business. I personally don't have a problem with the hands off approach because I can always get my fill of hands on elsewhere.

I agree the games recycle tons of stuff from the previous editions. Paradox does tend to flesh out/polish features from prior editions through expansions/DLCs which carry into the next edition. EU 4 will be less of an evolution from EU 3 Complete than EU 4 with DLCs will be by far. That model is by far my biggest complaint about their games. $40 for the game, another $40 - $60 or so for all the inevitable expansions if you're buying everything new.